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The Dallas Mavericks waived veteran center Dwight Powell, ending a twelve-season run with the franchise as the team trimmed its roster down to 15 standard contracts ahead of the regular season, Basket USA reported. Powell was the only player on the team’s 16 standard contracts without a fully guaranteed salary, according to D210.tv.
Contract Terms And Preseason Reality in Dallas
Powell originally re-signed with the Mavericks on September 25 on a one-year, $3.88 million deal containing only $1 million in guaranteed money, as reported by Basket USA. The 35-year-old veteran appeared in three preseason games competing for a backup center role, but management ultimately decided against keeping him on the regular-season roster. According to the Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis, the decision was first reported before the team officially confirmed the move.
Frontcourt Logjam Shapes the Mavericks Roster
Roster space in the Dallas frontcourt proved too scarce for the veteran to secure a spot. The Mavericks will carry Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Moussa Cissé at the center position, alongside rookie first-round pick Morez Johnson, Jr., who is expected to see time at both center and forward, per NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. Retaining Moussa Cissé contributed to the roster decisions that left Powell without a roster spot.
The Mavericks are waiving Dwight Powell after 12 seasons, sources told @DALSportsJrnl. His tenure is tied with Derek Harper and Brad Davis for second-longest in franchise history, behind only Dirk Nowitzki's 21. Read more on @DALSportsJrnl: https://t.co/WGMtk69G9z
Twelve Seasons Spanning Multiple Eras
Powell first arrived in Dallas in December 2014 through a trade with the Boston Celtics involving Rajon Rondo. Over 763 regular-season games with the Mavericks, he averaged 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 60.6% from the field, according to Basket USA’s historical figures. His longevity places him fifth in franchise history for games played, trailing Dirk Nowitzki (1,522), Brad Davis (883), Derek Harper (872), and Rolando Blackman (865). He also ranks fourth in franchise history in career field goal percentage, sixth in offensive rebounds (1,187), sixth in total rebounds (3,251), and tenth in blocks (330), as detailed by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. His tenure included appearances in the 2022 Western Conference finals and the 2024 NBA Finals, bridging eras from Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic to young mentor targets like Cooper Flagg.
Front Office Tributes and Community Impact
Last season, Powell’s on-court statistics dipped to 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds across 14.3 minutes per contest in 63 appearances. Beyond his work and locker-room presence, Powell maintained an active profile as an advocate for childhood literacy and a fan of fashion, noted the Mavericks. Mavericks President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri paid tribute to the departing center in a franchise statement reported by Basket USA, calling him a tireless worker and an incredible teammate whose impact reached deep into the Dallas community.
Regular Season Opener Approaches Without Powell
With the roster finalization complete, the Mavericks open their regular-season schedule on Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets in Houston, leaving Powell to seek a new destination to continue his NBA career.
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